HS Code for Blow dryer

Blow dryers, or hair dryers, are classified under HS code 8516.31. This code is part of Chapter 85, which covers electrical machinery and equipment and parts thereof. Heading 8516 is quite extensive, including electric instantaneous or storage water heaters, electric space heating apparatus, and electro-thermic hair-dressing apparatus. Subheading 8516.31 is the specific designation for electro-thermic hair dryers. The classification is based on the device's primary function: using an electric heating element and a motor-driven fan to blow air for the purpose of drying hair. This distinguishes it from other hair-dressing tools that might use heat but not forced air, or tools that use air but not heat. The "electro-thermic" designation is crucial, as it identifies the conversion of electrical energy into heat as a core component of the device's operation. Even if a blow dryer includes advanced features like ionic technology, ceramic coatings, or "cool shot" buttons that temporarily disable the heater, its primary identity remains an electro-thermic hair dryer under the 8516.31 classification. This follows GRI 1, as the product name and function perfectly match the subheading text.

Products Included

• Handheld domestic hair dryers
• Professional salon hood dryers
• Travel-sized folding blow dryers
• Wall-mounted hotel hair dryers
• Ionic blow dryers
• Ceramic hair dryers

Common Misclassification

Blow dryers are often confused with HS code 8516.32, which covers "other" hair-dressing apparatus. Code 8516.32 is intended for curling irons, hair rollers with heating elements, and hair straighteners. Another misclassification is 8414.59, which covers general-purpose fans. While a blow dryer contains a fan, its primary purpose is hair dressing via heat, which moves it from Chapter 84 (Mechanical) to Chapter 85 (Electro-thermic). Industrial dryers are also excluded and fall under Chapter 84.

FAQ

What is the HS code for a blow dryer?

The HS code for electro-thermic hair dryers is 8516.31.

Are hair straighteners classified under the same code?

No, hair straighteners and curling irons are classified under HS code 8516.32, as they are hair-dressing apparatus other than dryers.